Foxes are small to medium-sized canids (slightly smaller than the medium-sized domestic dog), characterized by possessing a long

narrow snout, and a bushy tail. The most common and widespread species of fox is the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), although various species are found on almost every continent.

In the wild, foxes can live for up to 10 years, but most foxes only live for 2 to 3 years due to hunting, road accidents and diseases. Foxes are generally smaller than other members of the family Canidae such as wolves, jackals, and domestic dogs. Male foxes weigh, on average, around 5.9 kilograms and female foxes weigh less, at around 5.2 kilograms. Fox-like features typically include a distinctive muzzle (a "fox face") and bushy tail. Other physical characteristics vary according to habitat.

Unlike many canids, foxes are not always pack animals. Typically, they live in small family groups, and are opportunistic feeders that hunt live prey (especially rodents). From an early age, they are usually able to kill their prey quickly. Foxes also gather a wide variety of other foods ranging from grasshoppers to fruit and berries. .

Foxes reproduce once a year in spring. The gestation period lasts 4958 days. Kits are born blind, deaf and toothless, with dark brown fluffy fur. At birth, they weigh 56110 g and measure 14.5 cm in body length and 7.5 cm in tail length. At birth, they are short-legged, large-headed and have broad chests. The lactation period lasts 67 weeks. They reach adult proportions at the age of 67 months.

Foxes are omnivores. The diet of foxes is largely made up of invertebrates and other small mammals, reptiles,, amphibians,scorpions, grasses, berries, fruit, fish, birds, eggs, dung beetles, insects and all other kinds of small animals. Many species are generalist predators, but some (such as the crab-eating fox) are more specialist. Most species of fox generally consume around 1 kg of food every day. Foxes cache excess food, burying it for later consumption, usually under leaves, snow, or soil.

Foxes are the most important rabies vector in Europe. Foxes may be infected with leptospirosis and tularemia, though they are not overly susceptible to the latter.

foxes are still widely persecuted as pests, with humancaused deaths being among the highest causes of mortality in the species. Annual fox kills are: UK 21,500 25,000 (2000); Germany 600,000 (20002001); Austria 58,000 (20002001); Sweden 58,000 (19992000); Finland 56,000 (20002001); Denmark 50,000 (19761977); Switzerland 34,832 (2001); Norway 17,000 (20002001); Saskatchewan (Canada) 2,000 (20002001); Nova Scotia (Canada) 491 (20002001); New Mexico (USA) 69 (19992000).

Because of their abundance, red foxes are among the most important furbearing animals harvested by the fur trade. Their pelts are used for trimmings, scarfs, muffs, jackets and coats.

Luca Daniel Florin Specializarea: Silvicultura Anul II